Abstract: The apparatus and method described herein allows for the automated replacement of end effectors on a robot without requiring external power source such as electricity or compressed air. The programmed robot motion provides the mechanism for tool changing. This simplified approach provides a simpler, less expensive solution to systems currently provided. The robot motion provides the mechanism and all the power needed to enable the tool changing.

Abstract: An integrated hand and method for manipulating items received in a shipping container. The integrated hand is carried by a tote handler and includes a base with a slotted plate, fingers, and flat plates. The fingers are extendable from and slidably movable along slots in the slotted plate. The flat plates are extendable from the base. The fingers and flat plates are selectively extendable about the base to define a grip space shaped to receivingly grip the items whereby the items are secured in position. The method includes receiving items in an original orientation from the shipping container by: selectively extending fingers and plates of an integrated hand to define an item space shaped to support and grippingly receiving the items; and inserting the items into a tote while maintaining the items in the original orientation by selectively rotating the integrated hand and inserting the integrated hand into the tote.